Integrity
My favorite word is YES. Ha, big surprise. My next favorite is integrity. I think it’s a sexy word. Of course people who actually have integrity are the sexiest. But when I looked it up, Webster’s didn’t mention the sexy part. Webster’s defines integrity as:
1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. 2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire. 3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition.
Integrity isn’t a quality to be applied when convenient or some of the time. We either have integrity or we don’t. Ironically, most people are OUT of integrity when they say they have it. To truly embody integrity, our lives have to be clean in every aspect, all the time. Selling out on our dreams is being out of integrity but that’s nothing compared to not following through on what we say we’ll do but don’t. If you have to break your word (it happens), be accountable and get straight about it. People will remember. I once read a book titled, “How you do anything is how you do everything.” That may seem a bit fierce but at the end of the day (and it’s YOUR day), having integrity makes life easy.
Be your word. You’ll be so sexy.
May 23rd, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Hi, Michelle. I wanted to tell you that now I get it! What you're doing and sharing is so beautiful I started crying when I read your entries. There is so much to you, so much love personified. I'm embarrassed a little to admit it really touched me because I'm the same way though I realize I try to hide it because I don't want people to know how easily I can be hurt if they know how vulnerable I really am. I have to really trust a person to open up. And yes is also my favorite word and I truly stand by my integrity. When I say something I truly mean it and stand by my word no matter what happens to me. You go, girl. I'm your number one fan. Much love, Tony
May 23rd, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Ahhh integrity…possibly one of the most difficult things to perfect, yet when practiced, it makes life so effortless! It's also the biggest gift you can give your family and friends.
Thanks for taking the time to remind me of the importance of integrity. You're an amazing friend and inspiration!
By the way, I'd just like to add that one of my favorite phrases is git'er done.